Multidirectional mounting bracket assembly for exterior siding

ABSTRACT

A multidirectional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The assembly has trim member that press fits to a base member along an axis disposed perpendicular to the exterior wall. The base member has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and circumferentially continuous inner and outer walls disposed co-axially to one another and laterally projecting axially. The trim member has a facial plate disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis and a mating wall that press fits between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall carries a plurality of channeling features for cascading water on top of the mating wall. The mating wall generally carries a dam flange and preferably end dams for diverting water through weep holes in the facial plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/623,916 filed on Jan. 17, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,926,770,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/759,651, filed Jan. 17, 2006, the entire specifications of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an exterior siding mountingbracket assembly and more particularly to a multidirectional mountingbracket assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Common in residential building structures, sheathing of an exterior wallis known to be covered with a siding material typically made of cedar,aluminum, plastic or other synthetic material often made to appear likewood. Often, various exterior appendages of the home such as clothsdryer vents, exterior light fixtures, electrical outlets, and waterspigots must be trimmed-out around the siding for aesthetic reasons.This is commonly done with a mounting bracket. One such example of aknown mounting bracket is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,708, assigned tothe same assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. The known mounting bracket has an internalbase member that snap fits to an external trim member along an axisdisposed perpendicular to the sheathing and during assembly. The basemember has a continuous flange that projects radially outward and istypically nailed to the sheathing under the siding. Projecting axiallyor laterally outward from the flange and to an inner central panel is acontinuous wall. Generally, the wall defines the perimeter of thecentral panel. A cutout communicates through the panel and has a shapegenerally dictated by the appendage projecting through it.

The trim member typically has a partition that projects laterally andaxially inward toward the base member, and an aesthetically pleasing andcontinuous flange that projects radially outward from the partition. Anopening is generally defined by the partition and receives the wall andcentral panel when the bracket is assembled. The partition is generallyshaped to conform with the wall. Multi-positional snap fit features areknown to be carried between a radially outward surface of the wall and aradially inward surface of the partition. When the bracket is assembled,the close proximity of the partition to the wall causes the feature tolock the partition and wall together.

During construction of the building, once the base member is secured tothe wall or sheathing, the siding material is installed over thesheathing and over the flange. The siding, however, must be trimmed sothat it is slightly spaced from the continuous wall of the base member.This spacing allows room for entry of the continuous partition of thetrim piece, yet is close enough to the wall of the bracket so that theends are aesthetically concealed by the outer flange of the trim memberwhich is substantially flush to the siding. Unfortunately, the siding istypically exposed to rain or water which flows down the siding andbeneath the exterior flange. This water can accumulate and seep beneaththe concealed ends of the siding and against the mounting flange of thebase member. Accumulation of water directly against the mounting flangecan cause water propagation outward from the wall of the base member andbeyond the mounting flange, thus exposing the sheathing to moisture. Theretained moisture can potentially create a host of problems includingthe rot of wood, disintegration of simulated materials and theattraction of unwanted insects.

To reduce or eliminate this water seepage, various bracket assembliesare known to be self-flashing for diverting water run-off away from thesheathing. One such bracket is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,081, issuedon Oct. 4, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Unfortunately, known self-flashing bracket assemblies can be mounted inone position only. Particularly, oblong or rectangular bracketassemblies must be separately manufactured with distinct features forhorizontal and vertical orientations. This requires separatemanufacturing molds/tooling and can complicate shipping and stocking ofthe product. This further requires that a siding installer must buy twoseparate mounting blocks depending upon whether he wants to install therectangular bracket assembly horizontally or vertically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

A multidirectional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunctionwith exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. Theassembly has trim member that press fits to a base member along an axisdisposed perpendicular to the exterior wall. The base member has amounting flange secured to the sheathing and circumferentiallycontinuous inner and outer walls disposed co-axially to one another andlaterally projecting axially. The trim member has a facial platedisposed substantially perpendicular to the axis and a mating wall thatpress fits between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall carries aplurality of channeling features for cascading water on top of themating wall. The mating wall generally carries a dam flange andpreferably end dams for diverting water through selected weep holes inthe facial plate.

Features, advantages and benefits of the present invention include amounting bracket assembly having an irregular or rectangular shape thatcan be selectively mounted in at least two positions without degradingthe assemblies self-flashing and water shedding capability. Otheradvantages include improved water shedding capabilities that eliminatesor reduces exposure of the sheathing to moisture that could cause damageto structural material and potentially attract unwanted insects. Theassembly reduces or eliminates of structural maintenance, has a designthat is relatively simple, robust and versatile, and is inexpensive tomanufacture and easy to install.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional mountingbracket assembly embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base member of the multidirectionalmounting bracket assembly;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the base member taken from circle3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a trim member of themultidirectional mounting bracket assembly;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the trim member;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the multidirectional mounting bracketassembly;

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the multidirectional mounting bracketassembly taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of amultidirectional mounting bracket assembly;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of amultidirectional mounting bracket assembly; and

FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the third embodiment of themultidirectional mounting bracket assembly installed on a substantiallyvertical substructure of a sided exterior wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As best illustrated in FIG. 1, a multidirectional mounting bracketassembly 20 embodying the present invention generally projects or isexposed through exterior siding (shown in FIG. 10) of a substantiallyvertical wall of any variety of buildings or residential structuresexposed to inclement weather such as rain and generally water runoff.The assembly 20 provides an aesthetically pleasing surface that anyvariety of exterior components can be easily mounted to or project from.Such components include but are not limited to hose spigots, electricalreceptacles, clothes dryer vents, and light fixtures.

The assembly 20 as illustrated is rectangular in shape having foursides. This shape however may have any number of sides and may thus beany number of shapes including, for example, a triangle or hexagon. Theassembly 20 is self-flashing for the prevention of water seepage beneaththe siding, and has a base member 22 and a trim member 24 thatpreferably snap fits to the base member generally along an axis 26. Thebase member 22 fastens to a substructure (shown in FIG. 10) of theexterior wall preferably prior to placement of the siding. Thesubstructure is generally an underlayment or sheathing that is coveredby the siding material, and orientated substantially perpendicular tothe axis 26. Preferably, the base member 22 and the trim member 24 aremade of injection molded plastic or fiberglass.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base member 22 has a mounting flange 28,a continuous outer wall 30, and a continuous inner wall 32. Preferably,the flange 28 and inner and outer walls 30, 32 continuously extendcircumferentially about axis 26. Also with respect to axis 26, theflange 28 projects radially outward from the inner wall 32 andconnecting to and extending radially beyond the outer wall 30. Wheninstalled, the flange 28 seats flat against the sheathing and is securedto the sheathing via nails or screws inserted through a plurality ofholes 33. The walls 30, 32 project co-axially and laterally outward fromthe flange 28 to respective continuous edges 34, 36 that are tapered foreasy axial receipt of the trim member 24. The outer wall 30 is generallyspaced radially outward from the inner wall 32 by a distance 38, and theinner wall 32 projects axially outward further than the outer wall 30,thus positioning the distal edge 36 of the inner wall 32 to function asa stop when the trim member 24 is press fitted to the base member 22. Anannular cavity 40 in the base member 22 opens axially outward and isdefined by the outer and inner walls 30, 32 and a radially inwardportion of the flange 28.

Preferably the outer wall 30 of the base member 22 has a substantiallyplanar first section 42, a second section 44, a third section 46 and afourth section 48. When the assembly 20 is in a vertical position 50(i.e. the second and fourth sections 44, 48 are longer than the firstand third sections 42, 46) and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second andfourth sections 44, 48 are substantially vertical, thus being right andleft sections, respectively. Each section 42, 44, 46, 48 is contiguousto the next adjacent section forming respective corners 43, 45, 47, 49.Similarly, the first and third sections 42, 46 are substantiallyhorizontal, thus being top and bottom sections, respectively. The innerwall 32 has substantially planar first, second, third and fourthsegments 52, 54, 56, 58 that are substantially parallel to and equallyspaced from the respective sections 42, 44, 46, 48.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the trim member 24 has a preferablycircumferentially continuous mating wall 60 that press fits radiallybetween the inner and outer walls 32, 30 for locating in the annularcavity 40, and a facial plate 62. When the assembly 20 is assembled, thefacial plate 62 is substantially perpendicular to the axis 26 and spansradially outward and beyond the outer wall 30 of the base member 22. Themating wall 60 laterally projects axially inward and generally towardthe flange 28 of the base member 22 for location in the cavity 40, andthe stop edge 36 of the inner wall 32 is generally in contact with theback of the facial plate 62. Preferably the mating wall 60 of the trimmember 24 has a substantially planar first segment 64, a second segment66, a third segment 68 and a fourth segment 70. Each segment 64, 66, 68,70 is contiguous to the next adjacent segment forming respective corners65, 67, 69, 71.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, when the assembly 20 is fully assembled, thebase and trim members 22, 24 have various features that channel watergenerally away from the base flange 28 of the base member 22 and thesiding (not shown), and through the facial plate 62 of the trim member24. To accomplish this and as best shown in FIG. 3, the outer wall 30 ofthe base member 22 has a face 72 that faces radially outward. This face72 is carried by each one of the plurality of planar sections 42, 44,46, 48 of the outer wall 30. Carried or defined by the outer face 72 ateach planar section 42, 44, 46, 48 are a plurality of channelingfeatures 74 that divert water. The channeling features 74 are preferablyribs, but may also be grooves in the wall 30 or any other type offeature capable of channeling water. Each rib 74 longitudinally extendsaxially and laterally projects radially outward. The ribs 74 aregenerally aligned axially with respect to axis 26 and laterally spacedcircumferentially away from one another. Preferably, the plurality ofribs 74 for each respective section 42, 44, 46, 48 have a series of midribs 76 and a corner rib or apex 78 projecting from the respectivecorners 43, 45, 47, 49.

The channeling features 74 and generally those located on the first ortop section 42 direct any water over the distal edge 34 of the outerwall 30 and cascade the water downward and upon the first segment 64 ofthe mating wall 60 of the trim member 24. The continuous mating wall 60laterally projects axially inward with respect to axis 26 and to acontinuous distal edge 80 of the wall. A dam flange 82 of the trimmember 24 projects radially outward from the distal edge 80 forpreventing collected water from cascading downward over the edge 80 ofthe mating wall. Two end dams 84, 86 project outward from each segment64, 66, 68, 70 near the corners 65, 67, 69, 71 for preventing thecollected water from cascading downward over the corners (e.g. corners65, 71 as illustrated in the presently selected assembly orientation50). This trapped water is then diverted through first and secondweeping holes 88, 90 that communicating through the facial plate 62 ofthe trim member 24. Each planar segment 64, 66, 68, 70 is associatedwith a respective pair of the holes 88, 90.

The width or height of the rear dam, or dam flange 82 is a function ofthe amount of waterflow that is expected to fall onto the outer wall 30of the base member 22 from above during rainfall. A wider horizontalsection of the outer wall 30 will collect more rainfall and thus requirea higher dam flange 82. The rear dam 82 and end dams 84, 86 form atrough on each of the sections 64, 66, 68, 70. The height of the damflange 82 generally matches the gap or distance 38 between the inner andouter walls 32, 30 of the base member 22. In this way, water cannotescape off of the top of the mating wall 60 except through the weepholes 88, 90.

Since the outer perimeter of the facial plate 62 extends over the top ofthe siding that is further abutted to the plurality of ribs 74 of thebase member 22, water diverted by the ribs 74, through the weep holes88, 90 and out onto the front surface of the facial plate 62 will dripoff of the lower edge of the facial plate and back out onto the surfaceof the siding where it can continue its downward flow without seepagebehind the siding. Regardless of how the installer orientates theassembly 20, water will properly be diverted. Preferably, the weep holes88, 90 are bound by a rim 98 for prevening water that is flowing downthe outward surface of the facial plate 62 from entering into the unusedweep holes below.

Referring to FIG. 8, a second embodiment of a mounting bracket assembly220 is illustrated wherein similar elements to the first embodiment havesimilar identifying numerals except with the added suffix of a numeraltwo. Assembly 220 has a base member 222. Contrary to the firstembodiment, the base member 222 has a sub plate 92 that spans radiallyinward with respect to axis 226 and from a continuous distal edge 236 ofan inner wall 232 of the base member 222. This sub plate 92 serves tokeep the inner and outer walls 32, 33 in alignment and prevents warpingof the inner wall 32 during the manufacturing process. The sub plate 92may also have a cut-out feature 94 for creating a utility hole when thebase member 222 is installed upon a building. Weep holes 288, 290 arepreferably placed on opposing sides of the facial plate 262. Because theweep holes are not directly aligned over one another, water flowing outof the top weep hole can not flow into the lower unused weep hole.

Referring to FIG. 9, a third embodiment of a mounting bracket assembly320 is illustrated wherein similar elements to the first and thirdembodiments have similar identifying numerals except with the additionof a numeral three suffix. Weeping holes 388, 390 in a face plate 362 ofa trim member 324 are generally disguised by an ornamental feature 96carried by an outward surface 98 of the face plate 362.

While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute a presentlypreferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intendedherein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramification ofthe invention. It is understood that terms used herein are merelydescriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

1.-17. (canceled)
 18. A mounting bracket assembly for attachment to asubstantially vertical exterior wall of a building, the mounting bracketassembly comprising: a base member including a base flange forattachment to the exterior wall and an outer wall projectingtransversely from the base flange for extending away from the exteriorwall; and a trim member including a facial plate spaced from the baseflange with the outer wall disposed between the base flange and thefacial plate; the trim member including a mating wall projectingtransversely from the facial plate adjacent the outer wall of the basemember and spaced from the outer wall for receiving water from the outerwall and a dam flange projecting transversely from the mating walltoward the outer wall for channeling water between the outer wall andthe mating wall.
 19. The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim18 further comprising a weep hole extending through the facial plateadjacent the mating wall for draining water from the mating wall. 20.The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 18 furthercomprising two end dams spaced from each other and extending along themating wall from the dam flange to the facial plate.
 21. The mountingbracket assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein the outer wallincludes an edge spaced from the base flange adjacent the facial platefor draining water between the edge and the facial plate to the matingwall.
 22. The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 21 furthercomprising channeling features on the outer wall extending from the baseflange to the edge of the outer wall for directing water toward theedge.
 23. The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 18 whereinthe outer wall includes a plurality of sections with each sectionmeeting an adjacent section at a corner and a corner rib extending alongeach corner from the base flange toward the facial plate.
 24. Themounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein the matingwall includes a plurality of segments extending along the plurality ofsections of the outer wall, each segment meeting an adjacent segment atan apex with an end dam extending along each apex from the dam flange tothe facial plate.
 25. The mounting bracket assembly as set forth inclaim 24 further comprising weep holes extending through the facialplate and in communication with each of the segments of the mating wall.26. The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein thedam flange extends between each of the apexes.
 27. The mounting bracketassembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein the sections of the outer wallare circumferentially continuous so that the mounting bracket assemblyis mountable to the exterior wall in multiple orientations.
 28. Amounting bracket assembly for attachment to a substantially verticalexterior wall of a building, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: abase member including a base flange for attachment to the exterior wall,an outer wall projecting transversely from the base flange for extendingaway from the exterior wall, and an inner wall projecting transverselyfrom the base flange along the outer wall and spaced from the outer walldefining a cavity therebetween; a trim member including a facial platespaced from the base flange with the inner and outer wall disposedbetween the base flange and the facial plate; the trim member includinga mating wall projecting transversely from the facial plate into thecavity for receiving water from the outer wall and a dam flangeprojecting transversely from the mating wall in the cavity forchanneling water; and a weep hole extending through the facial plateadjacent the mating wall for draining water from the mating wall. 29.The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 28 furthercomprising two end dams spaced from each other and extending along themating wall from the dam flange to the facial plate.
 30. The mountingbracket assembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein the outer wallincludes an edge adjacent the facial plate for draining water betweenthe edge and the facial plate to the mating wall.
 31. The mountingbracket assembly as set forth in claim 30 further comprising channelingfeatures on the outer wall extending from the base flange to the edge ofthe outer wall for directing water toward the edge.
 32. Amultidirectional mounting bracket assembly for attachment to asubstantially vertical exterior wall of a building, the mounting bracketassembly comprising: a base member including a base flange forattachment to the exterior wall and an outer wall projectingtransversely from the base flange for extending away from the exteriorwall; and a trim member including a facial plate spaced from the baseflange with the outer wall disposed between the base flange and thefacial plate; the trim member including a mating wall projectingtransversely from the facial plate adjacent the outer wall of the basemember and spaced from the outer wall for receiving water from the outerwall and a dam flange projecting transversely from the mating walltoward the outer wall for channeling water between the outer wall andthe mating wall; the outer wall including a plurality of sections witheach section meeting an adjacent section at a corner and a corner ribextending along each corner from the base flange toward the facial platefor channeling water toward the mating wall; and the mating wallincluding a plurality of segments extending along the plurality ofsections of the outer wall, each segment meeting an adjacent segment atan apex with an end dam extending along each apex from the dam flange tothe facial plate for channeling water.
 33. The mounting bracket assemblyas set forth in claim 32 further comprising weep holes extending throughthe facial plate and in communication with each of the segments of themating wall.
 34. The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 32wherein the dam flange extends between each of the apexes.
 35. Themounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein the sectionsof the outer wall are circumferentially continuous so that the mountingbracket assembly is mountable to the exterior wall in multipleorientations.